Mina Kimes recently spotlighted Ty Simpson, a quarterback whose journey to the NFL is marked by both promise and concern. At 6-foot-1 and 211 pounds, Simpson has only 15 college starts under his belt, raising questions about his durability and readiness for the professional league.
In 2024, Simpson showcased his potential with 3,567 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, completing 64.5% of his passes. However, his performance in the final stretch of the season was less impressive, averaging just 156 passing yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions over his last five games.
Kimes has created a historical list of NFL quarterbacks under 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds who had more than 16 college starts, which includes notable names like Drew Brees, Russell Wilson, and Kyler Murray. She noted, “Simpson is a prominent outlier if he succeeds in the NFL. Most of those outliers were either freak athletes or were drafted in later rounds because they were viewed as major risks.” This highlights the uphill battle Simpson may face in proving himself.
Adding to the conversation, Danny Kelly compared Jonah Coleman to Kyren Williams on Kimes’ podcast, suggesting that Coleman, who rushed 477 times for 2,682 yards and 30 touchdowns over the past three seasons, could also be a player to watch. Coleman’s versatility is evident, as he also caught 79 receptions for 814 yards and three scores during the same span.
However, Kelly cautioned, “There’s plenty of worlds where Coleman doesn’t do anything in the NFL, we forget about him in two years.” This sentiment reflects the uncertainty surrounding players transitioning from college to the professional level.
As the NFL draft approaches, observers are keen to see how Simpson’s unique profile will be received by teams. With his playing weight likely dipping below the listed 211 pounds, durability concerns remain a significant factor in his evaluation.
While Kimes’ analysis sheds light on the challenges faced by quarterbacks like Simpson, the future remains uncertain. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how teams will approach his draft stock and potential fit in the league.